Fire trade defender Wilman Conde’s rights to New York Red Bulls

CHICAGO, IL (Jan. 30, 2011) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Monday the club has traded the MLS right of first refusal on defender Wilman Conde to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money. New York has agreed to personal terms with the out-of-contract Conde and he will be added to the Red Bull’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The club is pleased with the talent we’ve assembled,” said Fire head coach Frank Klopas. “We reviewed the situation and wanted to support Wilman’s return to MLS. The allocation money we received in return helps us continue to build our team.”

Having joined the Fire in 2007, the Colombian defender tallied four goals and four assists across 77 matches before signing with Mexican side Club Atlas on a free transfer in January 2011.

Having protected Conde during the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft, the Fire held the MLS right of first refusal on the former Fire defender.